CRR 355/2001 The validity and interpretation of
neurobehavioural data obtained in studies to investigate the
neurotoxic effects of occupational exposure to mixtures of organic
solvents

Psychological performance tests have been used for a number of
years in largescale studies to investigate the neurotoxicity of
solvents in occupational settings. Concerns have been expressed
about the methodological quality of many of these studies and about
the validity and significance of the data reported. The present
report addresses two issues in relation to these concerns. Section
I investigates the strength of the evidence that long-term,
low-level occupational exposure to solvents can result in
neurobehavioural effects, which are less severe than those which
constitute chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE). Section II discusses
the feasibility of evaluating the significance of any demonstrated
effects by reference to the size of effects observed following
exposure to other agents.